COVID-19 & SOCIAL ISOLATION

As Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads across the world, it will be harder for
people to maintain their social connections.

We will keep the page up to date with ideas for how we can all combat social isolation and look out for each other during the spread of the virus.

For many people there will be a tough, but necessary
period of social isolation. Many of us will miss seeing family
and friends and taking part in our usual hobbies, interests and
activities.

It shows how important friendship and connection are in our
lives, and how difficult it can be when they’re missing. This reminds us that
for too many people their lives are often quite a lot like this.

Research shows that half a million older people regularly experience these kinds of protracted periods of isolation, going at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all. During the Coronavirus outbreak it’s especially important we can stay in touch with people who are alone.

Staying in touch

Making sure that you stay in touch with friends, family and
neighbours can help to ease any feelings of loneliness you and others may
experience while in isolation. Technology can help with this enormously.

Call your friends, colleagues and relatives regularly on the
phone and see how they are.

Create WhatsApp groups with neighbours, family or friends.
Share how you’re getting on and ask other people how they are.

Use Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date and keep in
touch.

Offer to help with shopping or running errands. You could
use an app like Nextdoor to see if your
neighbours need assistance. If you’re worried about transmitting the virus you
can leave the bags on the doorstep.

For many, the telephone will be the easiest and most accessible way to keep in contact. Some of this technology might be new or difficult to use for some older friends and family. Offer help and support to install and use apps.

When using social media be mindful that this may be a
frightening and isolating time for many. Be kind. Offer help and advice where
you can. Try not to spread unfounded rumours that may cause upset or panic.

Technology can’t replace the feeling of communicating in
person, but there are ways of staying connected in isolation that can help.

For many of us this will be a difficult time. Isolation
measures are to protect as many people from the worst effects of coronavirus
and this will be temporary. If we make the effort to stay connected, we can
make a big difference to people who are feeling alone at this time.